Can a Dashcam Help You Fight Your VA Traffic Ticket?
And with law enforcement relying more on dashcam footage, many motorists wonder, Can a dashcam help you fight your VA traffic ticket?
The answer is that, in some situations, dashcam footage can help you fight your ticket. However, in other circumstances, the footage can actually corroborate the officer’s version of events.
Regardless of whether dashcam footage is helpful, if you receive a traffic citation, you can take steps to challenge it.
It’s important to note, however, that the specific process and regulations may vary, so we recommend that you consult an experienced attorney at Flusche & Fitzgerald to strategize your next steps.
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Can You Fight a Traffic Ticket?
Fighting a traffic ticket is possible, but your success depends on the circumstances that led to the ticket and your approach.
An attorney is an invaluable asset in traffic ticket cases. Patience, preparation, and understanding of the law and legal procedures all increase the likelihood of contesting a traffic ticket effectively.
An attorney can help you contest your traffic ticket by doing the following:
- Preparing your defense;
- Appearing in court;
- Arguing on your behalf; and
- Negotiating with the prosecutor (if one is involved in your case).
If you’re unsure about the legal process or your chances of success, consult a Virginia traffic attorney. They can offer guidance, help you understand your options, and advocate for you in court.
It’s essential to remember that contesting a traffic ticket requires time, effort, and a comprehensive understanding of the law. Outcomes can vary from getting a successful dismissal to getting the citation upheld.
Working with an attorney to familiarize yourself with specific traffic laws, regulations, and court procedures will increase your chances of effectively fighting your ticket.
Is a Dashcam a Good Idea?
Using a dashcam in Virginia is a prudent idea for several reasons. Dashcams can be valuable tools to protect your interests and enhance road safety.
A dashcam can provide crucial evidence in case of accidents or disputes. Virginia operates under a contributory negligence system, meaning if you’re partially at fault in an accident, you might not be able to recover damages.
A dashcam’s video footage can help establish fault accurately, preventing potential legal and financial complications. Moreover, a dashcam can deter reckless driving and fraud.
The mere presence of a visible dashcam can discourage others from engaging in risky behavior around your vehicle. This is especially important given the rise of staged accidents and fraudulent insurance claims.
However, ensuring your use of a dashcam aligns with Virginia law is essential.
Virginia prohibits mounting anything in your windshield that obstructs the view of the highway, and the law prohibits operating with a “television screen” in view of the driver.
Using a dashcam in Virginia can offer many advantages, from providing evidence in accidents or arrests to promoting responsible driving.
Just remember to operate within the legal framework and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with having an extra layer of protection on the road.
Recent Case Result: Reckless Driving Charge Dropped Thanks to Dash Cam Footage
(Cases depend upon unique facts. Past cases do not guarantee future outcomes.)
THE STORY:
We represented Jill on a Hanover reckless driving case. She was charged with a high speed that would almost certainly carry the likelihood of serving several days in jail.
But Jill was adamant that she never went anywhere near that speed. So we requested the officer’s dash cam footage to try to investigate what really happened.
Dash camera footage isn’t often helpful in speed cases, since it doesn’t usually capture the actual offense. And if it does, the dash cam basically just shows headlights or blurry cars going by.
But in Jill’s case, the officer was positioned perpendicular to the road and back far enough so that the dash camera had a great view of all the cars going by. After studying the footage, we realized that there was in fact a high speed vehicle going by the officer’s location. However, that vehicle was sneaky enough to pull in behind Jill, who was driving an extremely similar vehicle.
CASE OUTCOME:
After pointing out this mistake to the officer at court, Jill’s case was dropped, and she does NOT even have a conviction of any kind on her record.
The Importance of Fighting a Virginia Traffic Ticket
Fighting a traffic ticket can be important for several reasons:
- Financial Consequences—Traffic tickets often come with fines that can strain your budget. You can reduce or eliminate the fine by contesting the ticket, saving you money.
- Insurance Rates—Convictions for certain traffic offenses can increase insurance premiums. You can prevent your insurance rates from increasing by fighting a ticket and avoiding a conviction.
- Driving Record—Accumulating too many traffic violations on your driving record can lead to license suspension or revocation. Fighting a ticket can help you keep your driving record clean and maintain your driving privileges.
- Legal Rights—You can defend yourself by asserting your legal rights and challenging the evidence presented against you.
- Avoiding Guilt—Some individuals contest a traffic ticket to avoid admitting guilt. A guilty plea might have implications beyond the immediate fine, such as potential impacts on employment or future legal proceedings.
- Professional Consequences—A traffic conviction could jeopardize employment for individuals with jobs requiring a clean driving record (e.g., commercial drivers). Contesting a ticket can help protect their livelihood.
- False Citations—Mistakes can happen. Sometimes, tickets are issued in error due to misunderstandings, technical issues, or other factors. Contesting the ticket gives you a chance to correct any inaccuracies.
- Community Safety—Contesting a ticket can draw attention to questionable practices by law enforcement or help hold them accountable, contributing to safer roadways.
While not every situation warrants contesting a traffic ticket, weighing the potential consequences and considering whether doing so aligns with your personal and financial interests is essential.
Can a Dashcam Help You Fight a Traffic Ticket?
If you’ve recently been issued a traffic ticket in Virginia and want to learn more about whether the dashcam footage could be helpful to your case, reach out to the dedicated traffic violation lawyers at Flusche & Fitzgerald.
We have extensive experience successfully resolving all types of traffic violations, including those involving the use of dashcam footage.
To schedule a free consultation to discuss your case with one of our Virginia traffic lawyers, give Flusche & Fitzgerald a call at 540-318-5824. You can also reach us through our secure online contact form.